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The Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This venture capital firm is dedicated to identifying, elevating, and investing in emerging media and journalism ventures led by diverse founders. Named in honor of Dr. Glen Nelson, a prominent leader and entrepreneur, the center emphasizes racial and gender equity in media. It commits to allocating 51% of its investments to ventures led by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and female founders.
As part of the American Public Media Group, which includes Minnesota Public Radio and Marketplace, the Glen Nelson Center operates within a unique structure that combines mission-driven objectives with venture capital strategies. The center has a total AUM of $10 million and has supported over 300 ventures through various investment vehicles, competitions, and incubator programs. Its notable milestones include the launch of the Horizon Fund and The Next Challenge, which promote innovation in media technology.
The Glen Nelson Center focuses on early-stage ventures that aim to sustain and grow media and journalism. It specifically targets companies that develop technology to help journalism organizations reach new and diverse audiences, enhance institutional resilience, and combat misinformation. The center invests in sectors such as media, AI, SaaS, fintech, healthcare, consumer, edtech, food-agtech, climate, and govtech.
Investment stages range from pre-seed to Series A, with check sizes between $100,000 and $10 million. The center's investment strategy is rooted in promoting racial and gender equity, ensuring that at least 51% of its investments support diverse founders. The Glen Nelson Center seeks ventures that not only demonstrate potential for financial returns but also contribute positively to the media landscape.
The Glen Nelson Center has supported over 300 ventures through investments, competitions, and incubator programs. Notable investments include:
These investments reflect the center's commitment to supporting diverse founders and advancing the media landscape.
Jennifer Barrett - Managing Director, Head of Content & Communications at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, brings extensive experience in media and communications.
Jim Brady - Principal at Spirited Media Consulting, has a strong background in media strategy and consulting.
James Ganley - Managing Principal at AB CarVal, specializes in investment management and financial strategy.
Barry Gisser - Chief Financial Officer at American Public Media Group, oversees financial operations and strategy.
Andrew Haeg - Product Lead at the Institute for Nonprofit News, focuses on product development in the nonprofit media sector.
Libby Hlavka - President of the Driscoll Foundation, has experience in philanthropy and nonprofit management.
Dan Hu - Director of Partnerships at CalMatters, specializes in building strategic partnerships in media.
Giulia Imholte - Product Manager at Forbes, has expertise in product management and media technology.
Angie Lee - Founder of Moona Moono & Brightsized, brings entrepreneurial experience in media.
Josh London - Chief Marketing Officer at Reuters, has a strong background in media marketing and strategy.
Ashley Lowes - Director of Communications at Target, specializes in corporate communications.
Theon Masters - Investment Manager at Glen Nelson Center, focuses on venture investments in media.
Andrew Murphy - Co-Chair Managing Partner at Deepwater Asset Management, has extensive experience in investment management.
Drew Murphy - Senior Vice President at Edison International, specializes in energy and infrastructure investments.
Tim Murphy - Program Officer at McKnight Foundation, focuses on grantmaking and nonprofit strategy.
Mark Nelson - Venture Partner at Madrona Venture Group, has a strong background in venture capital.
Jeff Freeland Nelson - Director of Venture Investments, leads investment strategy at the center.
Wendy Nelson - Former Chair of Carlson Family Foundation, has experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership.
Mike Palmer - Co-Chair, Former President of Winslow Capital, specializes in investment management.
Aron Pilhofer - Chief Product & Membership Officer at Chicago Public Media, focuses on product development in public media.
Tracie Powell - Founder & CEO of The Pivot Fund, has experience in media and nonprofit leadership.
Donald S. Porter - Managing Director at Winslow Capital, specializes in investment management.
Nii Quaye - Vice President at Vermilion Group, has a background in investment management.
Kendra Reichenau - CEO of Heartland America, focuses on business strategy and management.
Rachael Scherer - Vice President of Global Strategy (retired), has extensive experience in strategic planning.
To pitch to the Glen Nelson Center, founders should use the online application form available at glennelson.org/pitch-form. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, team background, and how the venture aligns with the center's mission. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are encouraged but not required.
The Glen Nelson Center operates several key programs, including:
On March 18, 2025, the Glen Nelson Center announced that applications for the 2025 Next Challenge for Media & Journalism are open, offering $200,000 in grants to innovative startups.
As of November 2025, the center has made 19 investments totaling $2.2 million through its Horizon Fund, which focuses on media technology companies.
In April 2026, the Glen Nelson Center confirmed its commitment to invest $5 million in media-tech companies that support local journalism as part of the Press Forward coalition.
What are the investment criteria for the Glen Nelson Center?
The Glen Nelson Center invests in early-stage ventures that focus on media and journalism, particularly those led by diverse founders. They prioritize companies that develop technology to enhance journalism's reach and resilience.
How can I apply or pitch to the Glen Nelson Center?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the center's online application form available at glennelson.org/pitch-form. The application should include a detailed overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes the Glen Nelson Center different from other investors?
This center is unique in its mission-driven approach, focusing on racial and gender equity in media. It allocates 51% of its investments to ventures led by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and female founders, setting it apart from traditional venture capital firms.
What is the geographic scope of the Glen Nelson Center's investments?
The Glen Nelson Center primarily invests in companies based in the United States, targeting ventures that address local journalism challenges.
What is the fund size and check size range?
The Glen Nelson Center has a total fund size of $10 million, with check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $10 million, depending on the stage and needs of the startup.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
The Glen Nelson Center provides not only financial support but also strategic guidance and access to a network of industry experts. This includes mentorship and potential follow-on investments.
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